Starting college is super exciting. It’s a mix of new experiences, academic challenges, and enough breaks to connect with new people. But let’s be honest, walking into a big campus full of strangers can feel a bit scary at first. Whether you’re a new student trying to find your way around Delhi University or a techie stepping into Bengaluru’s startup world, making friends is one of the most important parts of college life.
And guess what? Your smartphone can actually help with that! From local social apps to global platforms with Indian student groups, we’ve picked the top 10 apps that can help you meet people, and make meaningful connections. Let’s check them out!
Bumble BFF
Moving to a new college or city is a big step, full of possibilities and fresh experiences. But it can also feel a little unfamiliar at first. That’s where Bumble BFF comes in. It’s part of the popular dating app Bumble and offers a separate BFF mode designed to help people connect and build meaningful, friendly relationships.
It’s perfect for students looking to find their crew, whether that’s someone to grab chai with between classes, explore a new city, or just have a good chat after a long day.
How to Access:
- On the main Bumble app, switch to BFF mode from the profile settings
- If you’re switching from BFF mode to the new app, your old chats and connections move with you
Key Features:
- Swipe to connect with people nearby who are also looking for friends
- Interest-based profiles to help you find like-minded people
- Gender filters for added comfort
- Fun icebreaker prompts like “Chai or Coffee?” to get conversations started
FRND
FRND is a made-in-India social discovery app that brings a refreshing twist to meeting new people. It breaks away from the usual swipe-and-text routine and instead brings people together through something much more real like voice chats and classic Indian games such as Tambola. What makes it stand out is its desi touch that supports 14+ regional languages, AI avatars that protect your privacy, and a vibe that feels more like a college canteen hangout than a dating app.
How to Access It:
You can download the FRND app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After signing up, you can create an AI-generated avatar (instead of uploading a photo) and jump into voice rooms, games, or live shows hosted by real people.
Key Features:
- Anonymous Audio Rooms where you can talk freely without revealing your identity
- Regional Language Support chat in Hindi, Tamil, and more
- AI Avatars protect your privacy while still showing personality
- Virtual Gifting send fun digital gifts during conversations
- Interactive Games play Tambola and other games in group audio rooms
- FRND Celeb & Host Roles apply to become a creator, host live shows, and earn
Discord
Discord is a space where Indian students come together to learn, chill, and share what they love. Whether it’s joining a study group for competitive exams, hopping into an anime voice chat, or bonding over memes in a fandom server, Discord makes it easy to find your kind of people. With features like customizable text and voice channels, nickname-based anonymity, and interest-based servers, students can connect in ways that feel natural and fun.
How to Access It:
Download the Discord app or use it via desktop at discord.com. You can create an account with just an email, and from there, either add friends directly or explore public servers also known as communities based on your interests like IITian Hub, Medico Memes, or Anime India.
Key Features:
- Customizable channels join themed chat rooms like #dsa-grind, or #netflix-nights
- Voice & video chats study together, stream music, or co-watch movies
- Nickname-based anonymity use fun usernames while keeping things casual
- Server Discovery find communities based on your interests (anime, coding, gaming, etc.)
- Friend system add people you vibe with and stay connected via DMs or group chats
Meetup
If you’re someone who prefers face-to-face interactions and shared experiences, Meetup is the perfect app to make meaningful, real-world connections. It’s designed to bring people together around common interests, like attending a coding workshop, joining a trekking group, or meeting fellow readers at a book club. For students, especially those new to a city or campus, Meetup offers a refreshing way to meet like-minded people beyond the screen. You can join or create groups focused on your hobbies, studies, or career goals, and attend meetups that help you build your network while having fun. Moreover, these groups are not restricted only to India, as the Meetup app caters to users worldwide.
How to Access It:
- Head to the official website of Meetup or download the Meetup app (available on iOS and Android)
- Sign up, set your interests and location, and start browsing events happening near you
- Use filters like “Students Only” to find more relatable groups
Key Features:
- Location-Based Discovery find local events and groups near you
- Student-Focused Filters join events specifically tailored for student communities
- Virtual Meetups perfect for remote learners or online communities
- RSVP & Reminders confirm your spot and get updates from organizers
- Create Your Own Group start your own student club, book circle, or hobby group
- Messaging Tools stay in touch with your group or fellow event attendees
InterNations
Got plans to study abroad or live overseas? InterNations can be the perfect platform for you. It offers a trusted space to connect with like-minded people from all over the world. And it’s not just for professionals! Students can use InterNations to make global friends, or join exciting international events. With millions of members across 420+ cities, InterNations creates a unique environment where cultural exchange, support, and friendship go hand-in-hand.
How to Access It:
- Visit official website of InterNations and sign up by creating a profile (note: approval is required to maintain quality and trust)
- Once accepted, you can join your city’s InterNations community, explore local events, and connect with members through forums or private messages
- The basic version is free, but for access to premium features, like exclusive event invites and deeper networking, you may need a paid membership
Key Features:
- City-Specific Communities join local groups in cities like Hyderabad, Berlin, or Toronto
- Events & Activities from cultural mixers to skill-building workshops and student-friendly meetups
- Discussion Forums ask questions, share experiences, and join global conversations
- Supportive Resources access guides and expert tips on settling into a new country or city
- Diverse, Professional Crowd great for both socializing and building your global network
Yubo
Yubo is a social discovery app designed for young people, especially Gen Z, to make new friends from around the world in a fun, and real-time environment. Rather than focusing on curated posts or endless scrolling, Yubo lets users connect authentically through live video chats, group streams, and shared interests. While often compared to dating apps, Yubo is more about community, conversations, and building friendships, especially for students who enjoy interactive ways to meet new people.
Check out: 10 affordable watch brands that cater to Gen Z
How to Access It:
- Download the Yubo app from the App Store or Google Play
- Create a profile with your name, age, gender identity, and a clear photo
- Go through age verification to ensure you’re placed in the right peer group for safety and appropriate interactions
Key Features:
- Live Streaming host or join real-time video sessions with up to 10 people on screen. Great for casual chats, games, and bonding
- Swipe to Connect similar to dating apps, swipe right to find and match with new people based on shared interests and location
- Interest Tags customize your profile with topics you love—like music, movies, or sports—to find people with similar vibes
- Group Chats dive into group discussions or create your own to keep the conversations going beyond live sessions
- YouTube Integration watch and stream YouTube videos with friends directly in the app during live chats
Befriend
BeFriend is another Gen Z-focused social app designed to help users find long-term friendships rather than casual or fleeting chats. Much like Yubo, it’s popular among teenagers and young adults but BeFriend takes a more intentional approach. It connects users based on shared interests, encouraging authentic conversations and social bonds.
How to Access It:
- Download the BeFriend app via the official website or from the App Store or Google Play
- Create an account with your basic details
- Set up a profile that reflects your interests and personality, this helps the app match you with people who share similar vibes
Key Features:
- Swipe to Match just like popular social apps, you can swipe through profiles, but with a focus on platonic friendships
- Interest-Based Matching BeFriend suggests users based on shared hobbies, passions, and conversation topics
- Global Discovery connect with people from around the world or keep it local by adjusting your preferences
- Safety and Privacy Tools with strong community guidelines and user-reporting features, BeFriend ensures a respectful and secure space
- No Pressure Vibes no romantic undertones, just a friendly atmosphere for genuine social interaction
Safety Tips for App Users
While these apps open up exciting ways to meet new people and build friendships, it’s always a good idea to keep your safety and privacy in check. Start by keeping things light and do not overshare personal details right away. Take a moment to look through someone’s profile and see if it feels genuine. Most apps have features to help you spot real users, like linked socials or shared interests.
If you’re ever uncomfortable, trust your gut. Every platform has tools to report or block someone, don’t hesitate to use them. And if you decide to take a connection offline, make sure it’s in a public space and let a friend or two know where you’re going.
Also, make the most of privacy settings inside the app, adjust who can contact you or view your profile to stay in control. The goal is to have fun and make new friends, but on your own terms and with peace of mind.
All images above are from the official sources of Bumble, FRND, Discord, Meetup, InterNations, Yubo, and BeFriend.
Check out offers on Fashion and Lifestyle